The Worth of a Smile

According to a recent study, the way we look has a direct bearing on a paycheck. Researchers analyzed employment data from seven thousand adults. They divided the group according to their looks and then compared what those working similar jobs in each category were paid. Those who were rated below average in the area of appearance earned less than those who were rated as average. Those who rated as average in appearance earned less than those who were rated as above average.

Appearance includes many things. The style and neatness of your clothing, the shine on your shoes, the crease in your shirt, your choice of colors, and a host of other things affect your appearance rating. The way you fix your hair, your makeup, and all the elements of your personal grooming make a contribution. However, the biggest factor is the smile on your face, followed closely by your attitude and sense of humor. A good sense of humor and a positive attitude are particularly important as you move into the upper echelons of business.

I encourage you to attend to your attitude, sense your sense of humor, and smear your smile. People do not want to be around an ol’ stiff, stick-in-the-mud! In case all of this talk sounds less than spiritual, remember that we are ambassadors for Christ. As wise, conscientious ambassadors we want to improve our “abilities.” Let’s improve our respectability, approachability, and likeability. In this way we can draw people to us in order to point them to Christ!

Can you find anything in this story that might apply to assimilation or church growth? For more information along these lines, also read . . . .

28Nineteen is all about discipleship. It is about carrying out our Lord's Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20. Making disciples of all nations begins "as we are going through life" building relationships with people who are far from God, loving them to Jesus, helping them to grow in relationship and obedience, and invest in others.